MoH, Ghana Health Service launch Maternal Mental Health Policy to improve wellbeing of mothers

Ghana has taken a significant step toward improving the wellbeing of mothers and families with the launch of its first-ever Maternal Mental Health Policy (MMHP).

This is a landmark initiative aimed at addressing the often-overlooked psychological challenges faced by women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

The policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, seeks to integrate mental health care into maternal and child health services across the country.

Background
Health experts say the move is long overdue, as maternal mental health conditions continue to affect thousands of Ghanaian women each year. Maternal mental health disorders including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis remain largely underdiagnosed in Ghana. Studies suggest that between 10 to 20 percent of women in low- and middle-income countries experience some form of mental health condition during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth.

In Ghana, the burden is compounded by stigma, limited awareness and inadequate access to mental health services. Many women suffer in silence, often attributing symptoms to spiritual causes or societal pressures.

Maternal Mental Health Policy
“These conditions not only affect mothers but also have long-term consequences on child development, family stability, and national productivity,” said Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyae during the launch.

The Maternal Mental Health Policy outlines a comprehensive framework to:

• Integrate mental health screening into antenatal and postnatal care services.
• Train healthcare workers to detect and manage maternal mental health conditions.
• Strengthen referral systems for specialized psychiatric care.
• Raise public awareness to reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking.
• Expand community-based support systems, including counseling and peer groups.

The policy also aligns with Ghana’s broader mental health agenda under the Mental Health Authority Ghana, which has been advocating for increased investment and reforms in mental health care.

Source: 3news.com